SABITA CHAKRABORTY Vs. STATE OF WEST BENGAL

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The appeal is directed against the judgement and order dated 24th/25th June, 2004 passed by the learned Additional District and Sessions Judge, 7th Fast Track Court, Bichar Bhavan, Calcutta in Sessions Trial No.2 of February 2004 (Sessions Case No.92 of 2003) convicting the appellant for commission of offence punishable under Section 373 of the Indian Penal Code and sentencing her to suffer rigorous imprisonment for 10 years and to pay fine of Rs.5000/- in default to undergo imprisonment for six months.

(2.) Prosecution case, as alleged, against the appellant is to the effect that Jayanta Ch. Paul, P.W.5, S.I. of Police, D.D.I.T. Section along with other police personnel held raids at Sonagachi Red Light area on 30.5.2002 and found the appellant was standing in front of premises No.13, Abinash Kabiraj Street. On being asked, she took them inside the room wherein they found that the victim a minor girl was sitting. She disclosed her name as Kakali Saha, daughter of Rabindra Saha. She also disclosed that her father had handed her over to the appellant to do household work but subsequently she was engaged in immoral work. Investigating Officer, P.W.5 recorded the statement of the victim, rescued her and arrested the appellant. On the statement of the victim, criminal case was registered against the appellant and charge sheet was filed against the appellant.

(3.) In the course of trial, the prosecution examined 5 witnesses including the victim. In conclusion of trial, the appellant was convicted and sentenced, as aforesaid.